DSU Sets Zero Increase for Tuition, Fees & Housing for 2013-2014

Posted: May 6, 2013

While tuition costs may be increasing elsewhere, both the annual in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees will remain the same for the 2013-14 school year.

Amid the ongoing national challenges of rising higher education costs, Delaware State University is making accessibility a priority by not increasing its tuition, housing and fee rates for the upcoming 2013-2014 academic year.

While tuition costs may be increasing elsewhere, both the annual in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees for DSU in 2013-2014 will remain the same as they have been in the current school year -- $7,336 and $15,692, respectively.

The annual traditional fees that will remain unchanged are the fees for student activities, technology and the Student Center Complex.

In addition, the cost to live in the campus’ traditional housing will be unchanged from the current year costs – remaining in the range of $6,976 to $7,490, depending on the residential hall in which a student resides.

The DSU Board of Trustees decided not to increase the tuition rates during a special board meeting on May 6.

“We wanted to give our students and their families as much time as possible to plan their finances for the upcoming school year,” said Dr. Claibourne D. Smith, board chair. “It is our hope that students will be encouraged by finding out this early.”

Over the last four years, DSU’s increases in costs to students have been modest as compared to the national trends.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the national average for tuition and fees at public institutions of education increased by 15% from the 2008-2009 to 2011-2012 academic years. During that same period, DSU’s tuition increased to just over 9% -- more than 5% percent below the average national increase.

DSU President Harry L. Williams said the Board of Trustees’ unprecedented decision not to increase tuition, fees and housing costs is consistent with President Barack Obama’s priority to make college more accessible by keeping the costs down for students.

“While we hope that the federal government will do all it can to provide more financial aid to encourage students to attend and be retained in higher education, colleges and universities also have a role to play in keeping the costs down,” said Dr. Williams.

“DSU has worked hard to be very conservative in its increases in the past few years, and now the University is stepping up to the plate again this year to do its part to help our students attain a degree.”

Today’s tuition rate announcement follows the DSU Board of Trustees’ decision in April to reduce the cost of summer session courses by 35%.

The only rise in costs for students will be in the meal plan – an increase of 3% -- and health insurance for certain students, the result of a new federal mandate.

Due to the federal Affordable Care Act that will be enacted on July 1, 2013, students who are not already covered by adequate health insurance will be required to subscribe and pay the cost of a University-offered Student Accident & Sickness insurance policy. The cost of the University-offered insurance will be approximately $1,100 per year.